Panhandle Plains · Nature
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Canyon, Texas
Family friendlyThe 'Grand Canyon of Texas' — 120 miles of red-rock walls and the iconic Lighthouse hoodoo.
Hike the Lighthouse Trail early; there's little shade and summer afternoons are brutal.
Know before you go
Plan your visit
Nearest town: Canyon · About 0.5 hrs from Amarillo · Explore the Amarillo city guide →
- Best season
- Spring and fall
- Time needed
- 1 day
- Cost
- $ — state park day pass
- Getting around
- Paved canyon road; trails are exposed.
- Reservations
- Reserve day passes on weekends.
For families: Lighthouse Trail is 6 miles round trip — start early with kids.
Where to eat
Big Texan Steak Ranch
Home of the 72-oz steak challenge.
Family friendlyPalace Coffee (Canyon)
Coffee and pastries before the drive.
Family friendly
Things to do nearby
TEXAS Outdoor Musical
Summer show in the canyon amphitheater.
Family friendlyPanhandle-Plains Historical Museum
Texas's largest history museum, in Canyon.
Cadillac Ranch
Spray-paint the half-buried cars.
Family friendly
Hours and details change — check before you go.
Also nearby
West Texas · Nature
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Guadalupe Peak — the top of Texas at 8,751 feet — rising from an ancient fossil reef.
North Texas · History
Fort Worth Stockyards
Brick streets, twice-daily longhorn cattle drives, rodeo on Friday nights and Billy Bob's honky-tonk.
North Texas · Music & Culture
Fort Worth Cultural District
The Kimbell, the Modern, the Amon Carter and the National Cowgirl Museum within walking distance.
Parks & recreation nearby
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Tours, tastings & tickets
Book experiences in Canyon
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Where to stay
Places to stay near Canyon
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Ask the Texan